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Representatives Pappas And Trahan Tour Communities Along the Merrimack River to Highlight Critical Need for Federal Investments

August 22, 2019

MANCHESTER, NH/LOWELL, MA –Yesterday, Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Lori Trahan (MA-03) led a dual city tour along the Merrimack River to highlight the need for federal support in updating the river's wastewater infrastructure. Along with Acting Administrator for EPA Region 1 Deborah Szaro, and other state and local officials, the Representatives toured the Manchester Wastewater Treatment Facility and went on to Lowell to hear from community leaders and stakeholders about and to see the concerns firsthand.

Despite providing water for more than 200 communities and 2.6 million residents of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, the region's outdated water infrastructure has allowed hundreds of thousands of gallons of untreated water to get dumped into the Merrimack River.

"The Merrimack River knits together our region and has been a driver of New England's economy and way of life for generations," said Congressman Pappas. "Caring for the river and addressing these issues – including updating our outdated water infrastructure - will help ensure our region remains a great place to live, recreate, start a business, and raise a family. I'm proud to partner with Rep. Trahan on this important issue, and we remain committed to stopping the discharge of raw sewage into the Merrimack and ensuring future generations can enjoy the benefits of this waterway."

"The health and well-being of the Merrimack River is inextricably linked to the quality of life of the communities it runs through. Not only does the river supply drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people across the region, it is a critical source of recreation and commerce," said Congresswoman Trahan. "Today's visit to Manchester and Lowell helped underscore the federal government's obligation to help municipalities make urgently needed upgrades to their sewer infrastructure to help prevent harmful CSO pollution. I am proud to partner with my friend and colleague Congressman Pappas and other state and local leaders to continue our efforts to raise awareness of this issue, and am grateful to Administrator Szaro for her continued partnership."

Earlier this year, Representatives Pappas and Trahan fought for increased federal funding to support states and localities seeking to update their water infrastructure and helped secure $225 million in grant authorizations. Additionally, Representative Trahan introduced, and Representative Pappas co-sponsored, the Stop Sewage Overflow Act, which would make certain municipalities eligible for grants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to support communities addressing sewage overflow on a local level.